Frequently Asked Questions
If your pet is in distress or needs to be seen immediately, please bring them to the emergency room as soon as possible.
Animal medicine works much the same way and specialists at The Hope Center are board-certified veterinary experts who see cases referred to them by other veterinarians. In addition to their four-year veterinary degree, they complete a one-year general internship and then a three-year residency targeted at a specific discipline such as Cardiology, Surgery or Oncology. During these three years, they receive hands-on instruction from a board-certified mentor in the same field. They study techniques, protocols and learn to use the tools of their individual specialty. At the completion of this residency, they must go before a board of experts to prove their ability and understanding of their specialty and pass an intensive written test. Only then are they recognized as board-certified veterinary specialists.
Similar to major universities and human hospitals, The Hope Center has a wide variety of specialists under one roof. This provides opportunities for convenient formal consultations, but also informal questions and brainstorming with experts in other fields. Doctors can offer opinions or guidance to other departments in a cooperative effort to give each patient the best care possible.
Information on discounts for senior citizens, active military, first responders, and registered working animals is also available at that number.
If there are specific treatments that you know your pet will require (such as an ultrasound, echocardiogram or cataract removal) each individual department may provide our costs for those individual fees for you prior to seeing your pet. Please contact the department you’ve been referred to for more information.
Filling out the survey you receive at checkout or via email can help us to highlight exceptional performance by staff members. Online review sites such as Yelp and Google Reviews can help other pet owners find their best options in the area. Following us on Facebook, Twitter, and signing up for our newsletters can keep you up to date with Hope Center events and announcements.
Many area pet owners are surprised to hear of the advanced care options available in Northern Virginia. Speaking with them about your pet’s care and treatment at The Hope Center can inform them of resources available to them and their primary veterinarian.
We believe that the best way we can improve our hospital is through feedback from our clients. Speaking directly with our management team will provide the quickest and best resolution to your concerns. If you wish to discuss your experience with The Hope Center please contact our CEO Kris Boucher directly at 703-281-9629.
After being referred, please make an appointment with the appropriate department. During this call, we will ask for some basic information regarding your pet and their condition as well as provide any instructions such as fasting (withholding food and water) prior to the visit. We will also contact your primary veterinarian to obtain all pertinent records and test results.
Most insurance plans are set up as a claim submission program which happens after medical treatment is delivered. That means fees and expenses must be paid at the time of service and then forms and medical records are submitted for reimbursement to the insurance provider. The Hope Center is happy to provide any and all medical records as well as assistance in filling out claim forms.
Some of the insurance plans that The Hope Center works with most frequently are VPI Pet Insurance, ASPCA Pet Health Insurance, Trupanion Pet Insurance and PetPlan Insurance.